Tait joins list of star old boys

1 February 2005 10:57am

Barnard Castle School in County Durham is about to add yet another England rugby union international to its list of alumni.

As if producing players of the calibre of Rob Andrew and the Underwood brothers - the proud owners of 182 England caps between them - was not enough, Barnard Castle can now add Mathew Tait to its list of former pupils who have gone on to play for England.

It is barely six months since Tait was scorching across the playing fields of Barnard Castle, bewitching opponents with his sensational turn of pace and a dreamy side-step.

But he has spent that time well, and he is now - at the age of 18 - set to make his full international debut in one of the most intimidating atmospheres in world rugby, after being picked today to face Wales.

Andy Robinson recently predicted that England's opening RBS 6 Nations game at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday will 'not be a place for the faint hearted'', and he is right.

Cardiff will be a simmering cauldron of emotion, with Welsh passions whipped to a frenzy, and everyone will find out whether the boy wonder, who turns 19 on Sunday, can make the step up.

Tait's coach and mentor at Barnard Castle, Martin Pepper, is confident he will be well prepared for the demands of Test match rugby.

''Mathew was always a remarkable young man in every respect,'' said Pepper.

''Not only was he the outstanding rugby player in his age group, but he got A stars at GCSE and three As at A-Level as well.

''He was always remarkably conscientious and managed himself very well. His ambition to get to the highest level stood out.''

As a schoolboy, Tait showed exceptional maturity. Rather than constantly seeking praise and adoration, Tait realised the importance of being brutally honest with himself in order to progress as a player.

''Mathew was always very ambitious, but his main attribute was that he was extremely self-critical of his own performances,'' said Pepper, a former Nottingham and Harlequins flanker.

''He wanted to learn and improve all the time.''

Like his mentor at Newcastle, Jonny Wilkinson, one of Tait's main attributes at a young age was his attention to detail.

A large part of Wilkinson's success has been put down to his phenomenal training ethic, and Tait clearly shares his deep-seated desire to improve.

''Mathew was always out on the training field. He would train at lunch-time and after school,'' explained Pepper.

''He was always looking to work on one specific aspect of his game such as his agility, speed or handling skills.''

Like Wilkinson, who Pepper believes was the deciding factor behind the youngster's decision to go to the Falcons rather than to Gloucester, Tait is a naturally modest and understated young man.

Pepper believes these attributes will stay with him despite his new-found fame.

''Mathew is a very modest young man and very down to earth, which is testament to his strong family,'' he said.

''He's every mother's, or mother-in-law's dream.''

Tait made his Newcastle Falcons debut at the end of last season at the age of 17, and Pepper felt that time was right for him to challenge himself against men rather than boys.

''Mathew was so good at the age of about 15 that we would have to hide him in the second row to stop him from completely taking over the game,'' Pepper added.

''He was always capable of turning a game on its head and scoring a spectacular try.''

England fans will be hoping Tait's capacity to ''turn a game'' will be in evidence in Cardiff on Saturday, and Pepper's only concern is that the weight of expectation becomes too much of a burden on him.

''I just hope he's allowed to enjoy the experience and that the magic of playing the game stays with him.''

After losing their Under-20s Six Nations crown to England Under-20s in a thrilling final round, France Under-20s lock Tristan Labouteley insists his side will be out for revenge at this year's Junior World Championship.